How to Get Cast on Broadway: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Performers
By Angelina Mullins Prattes
Broadway Performer & Co-Founder of The Broadway Studio
The path to getting cast on Broadway can feel overwhelming and uncertain — and rightfully so… you’ve been wanting this for your entire life. As someone who’s both lived 22+ years as a Broadway performer, and now coaches others to do the same, I’m here to say: it’s 100% possible. And while there’s no one formula, there are tried-and-true steps that consistently open doors.
My husband, Colt, graduated from the prestigious CCM conservatory program with a BFA in Musical Theatre and immediately booked the national tour of High School Musical. I took a different route — I booked my first international Broadway tour (Fosse, directed by Ann Reinking) at 18. Both paths worked.
At The Broadway Studio, we always say: the key is being honest enough with yourself to know where you're at in your journey and what your next right step is.
1. Know Your Path: Agent vs. Open Call
There are two main paths to auditioning for Broadway:
Open Calls: Anyone can show up. These are posted on sites like Backstage and Playbill. Yes, it can mean you risk waiting all day (and if you're non-equity, maybe not getting seen that day) — but it’s a foot in the door.
Agent Submissions: This means you or your rep submit directly to casting for a time slot. Agents also get breakdowns that the public doesn’t see. But you don’t need one to start working — many Broadway stars began at open calls.
2. Get Training That Matches Your Gaps
There are performers who are incredible singers but need dance. Or amazing dancers who freeze in a scene.
The fastest way to grow is to identify where you're lacking and seek out real training — not just drop-ins, but personalized feedback and consistency.
Working with coaches who’ve actually been on Broadway (like our team at TBS) makes a difference. They’ve walked the walk.
3. Stay in Shape Between Contracts
If you’re serious about being on Broadway, you need to treat your body, voice, and acting skills like tools that need consistent sharpening.
Taking classes that push you consistently (not just when you’re “feeling it”) — that’s where the breakthroughs happen. The key to being successful in this industry is to always be a student. The more I grow, the better I am for my own students.
4. Prep Your Package
You need:
Songs that let you actually tell a story — it’s not just about hitting the high notes
Headshots that look like you — casting wants to see you, not a styled version of someone you think they want (We can recommend Broadway’s top photographers!)
Need help? Book a 1-on-1 session or schedule a free consult with us at The Broadway Studio.
5. Get in the Room — and See Where You Stand
Getting into a Broadway audition room is a truly invaluable experience.
Wake up early and wait in that open call line. Experience what it feels like to stand in NYC at a real Broadway audition. You’ll walk away with:
A deeper understanding of how you stack up against other performers (competition is not a bad thing when used positively for self growth)
Honest feedback from your own nerves and instincts
Insight into how casting responds to you
A clear view of the holes in your training
Save your pennies. Book the plane ticket! Getting in the room is one of the most powerful tools for growth — whether you’re ready to book or just ready to learn.
We’ve seen it again and again at The Broadway Studio. Students go from unsure to unstoppable — all because they put in the work, and the work paid off.
If Broadway is your dream, your job is to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start stepping toward it — with strategy, honesty, and heart.
We’d be honored to help you get there.
